Commentary and photos by Emily
A bright sunny morning mirrored the mood of nine hikers at the circle this morning. We had a challenge. There was an unexpected opportunity to assist the MNRF in stocking Horne Lake with rainbow trout. Our hike took us from the OFSC trail at the corner of Hwy 108 and Milliken Mine Rd to the ski hill. Along the way, we stopped at the Miners' Monument to wait for the truck carrying tanks with 5 to 7 pound rainbow trout. We chatted with the volunteers who regularly help the MNRF stock local lakes with different fish species.
Our patience paid off and the truck arrived . The fish were removed from the tank by an MNRF employee using long handled dip nets. We took our turns carrying the dip nets filled with wriggling adult rainbow trout to the dock and then dumping them into Horne Lake. Some of our hikers even took the time to help a couple of the fish that seemed to have sunk to the bottom of the lake near the shore. Their efforts paid off as the fish revived and swam away.
We continued our hike to the Horne Lake Island for a lunch... no tuna sandwiches.
A great way to spend Star Wars Day. No Millenium Falcons were sighted but we did see a few gulls, terns and a loon on the lake.
We extend our thanks and best "fishes" to the volunteers and the MNRF who let us help. PHOTOS
